The Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after M. V. Lysenko hosted the gala concert of the Alma Mater–2025 Student Creativity Contest — an event that this year once again brought together a full house of students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the university. Despite the war, shelling, and distances separating many students, participants from 24 schools and institutes presented their programs under the theme “With Ukraine in the Heart.”
The celebration was opened by the Ad libitum Academic Choir under the direction of Ksenia Pidopryhora. Throughout the concert, the best performances of this year’s contest were showcased. Each performance was more than just a creative act — it told a story of memory, identity, resilience, humor, and love. The student performances served as a reminder: art cannot stop war, but it can lift the spirit and give strength to keep living.
Following the vibrant performances, the awards ceremony began. University Rector Tetyana Kaganovska addressed the students:
"Today, the heart of Karazin beats in this hall thanks to you. You study despite shelling, darkness, and anxieties because you have character. The Alma Mater contest is about our strength, our unity, and our values. One must live fully now — love your home, help, create, keep the fire in your heart, and ignite it in others."
Special awards by nominations were given to:
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Bakhmut Education and Research Professional-Pedagogical Institute — for a picturesque depiction of the hero city;
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School of Biology — for artistic embodiment of school nostalgia as a symbol of faith in Ukraine’s future;
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School of Geology, Geography, Recreation, and Travel Business — for spiritual unity of students despite distance;
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School of Economics — for originality in musical style;
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School of Foreign Languages — for unwavering spirit;
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School of History — for uplifting the national idea and preserving identity;
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School of Mathematics and Informatics — for the best video clip;
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School of Medicine — for vibrant choreographic representation of resilience;
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Second Medical School — for creative debut;
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School of Psychology — for lyrical and emotional imagery in the contest program;
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School of Radiophysics, Biomedical Electronics, and Computer Systems — for dedication to art;
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School of Physics — for touching interpretation of the program’s theme;
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School of Philology — for skillful uniting of cultural traditions;
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School of Law — for masterful technique and brilliant execution of dance compositions;
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Education and Research Institute (ESI) “Institute of Public Administration” — for reflecting the strength of Ukrainian defenders;
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ESI “Karazin School of Business” — for humor and optimism of the program;
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ESI “Karazin Banking Institute” — for emotional portrayal of a love story;
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ESI “Karazin Institute of International Relations and Tourism” — for masterful blending of world cultures around unwavering love for Ukraine;
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ESI “Ukrainian Engineering and Pedagogical Academy” — for artistic integrity and depth of textual content;
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ESI “School of Physics and Technology” — for preserving spiritual connection and unity despite distance;
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ESI “Institute of Ecology, Green Energy, and Sustainable Development” — for reflecting unity and shared hope;
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ESI “Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence” — for the power of team voice in the rhythms of modern Ukraine;
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ESI “Sociology and Media Communications” — for masterful recreation of literary images and deep preservation of national traditions;
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ESI “Philosophy, Cultural Studies, and Political Science” — for virtuoso synthesis of avant-garde forms in the program.
Contest winners:
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Third place: Faculty of Foreign Languages and ESI “Institute of Public Administration”;
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Second place: ESI “Karazin Institute of International Relations and Travel” and ESI “Philosophy, Cultural Studies, and Political Science”;
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First place: School of Medicine and ESI “Sociology and Media Communications”;
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Grand Prix: School of History — for the best and most spectacular performance.
This year’s Alma Mater contest proved that the Karazin community creates, fights, supports each other, and continues to dream. Our students once again demonstrated that the strength of Karazin University lies in its people, their energy, and their ability to unite for a common goal.
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